I was looking for some writing I'd done in the late 1980's and came across this short but astute observation I made in July, 1989:

"What a difficult day. The paintings elude me. They hide and tease me but when I think I've found one it withers away, trite and easy. There are a thousand easy paintings."

This remains true today. While some of my concerns have changed the core sentiment remains the same. I once again find myself searching and find the paintings elude me. It is lovely serendipity to come across this old musing - it reminds me that the walk is never finished, there are simply stops along the way. I'm walking again, in low light and fog but still walking.

Thanks to @americanartcollector magazine for the extensive article and cover in their January issue. Covering my current exhibit “A Collection of Rarities” at The California Museum of Art, Thousand Oaks, @joincmato on view through February and 17, 2019. Special thanks to @bookofjoshua for your ongoing support of my work!!

Beginning a new series loosely based on the life of Francis of Assisi. My intention is not an series of illustrations of his life but rather using his life as a point of inquiry into madness/enlightenment, the role of the iconoclast and the prophet and nature as source of solace and power. “Leaving the World”, 84”x66”. #wip #contemporaryart #iconoclasts #francisofassisi

My next “canvas” will be here and is 63’x63’. Part of the redevelopment at 9th & Colorado in Denver, my artwork will be painted on the side of this structure. More details and pics to come!
Thanks to @9CODenver @publicartservicesus #continuumpartners #chriskrieg #willkrieg

A great evening last night at @joincmato The museum was finally able to open after delays a few weeks ago due to shootings and fires. So honored to be a part of this new chapter in CMATO’s evolution.
Last night: me with Nancy Jean Pement @njvert10 who curated a stellar collection of ekphrastic poetry to accompany the exhibit.
#contemporaryart #thousandoaksmuseum

After delays due to the shooting in Thousand Oaks and the wildfires in the area, my exhibit at the California Museum of Art, Thousand Oaks in now open. This community has gone through much in the past week so I’m grateful the time has come to go forward with the exhibit. The show, “A Collection of Rarities” will be on view through February 17, 2019.
Please support this community asset in their new location and if you live in the affected areas perhaps the work on display will offer a respite from the tragedies of the past week.
@joincmato #contemporaryart #painting #tostrong

Currently on view as part of my exhibit “Paradise” at @clarkgallery
Pictured: “The Mockingbird Will Remember”, 54”x48”
For more info contact @clarkgallery
#painting #contemporaryart #fineart #bostongalleries

VOTE.

Three new pieces currently on view in my show “Paradise” @clarkgallery in Lincoln MA. .
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.All three are part of a series of “dream” paintings made for this show. Not based on dreams I’ve had but rather taking the viewpoints of three occupations and creating a painting based on perceived desires and fears of each.
From left to right: “The Philosopher’s Dream, “The Astronaut’s Dream and “The “Architect’s Dream”. All are 30”x30”, acrylic on canvas.
#contemporaryart #fineart #bostongalleries #painting

In my work I assume the role of a compassionate witness. In doing so my hope is that compassion allows for empathy, which in turn pushes away cynicism, which in turn allows curiosity and wonder to find a place in the work. “Paradise” on view now @clarkgallery Lincoln MA .
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.Pictured: “The Gathering”, 36”x30”
#contemporaryart #painting #bostongalleries #fineart